Learn how to use the comparative “more afraid” and superlative “most afraid” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “afraid”?

The comparative form of “afraid” is “more afraid”.

Example

I am more afraid of spiders than snakes.

Example

He is more afraid of heights than I am.

What is the superlative form of “afraid”?

The superlative form of “afraid” is “most afraid”.

Example

Among all the horror movies, that one scared me the most.

Example

The haunted house was the most afraid I've ever been.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

"Most" and "more" are used with "afraid" to form the comparatives and superlatives. The forms "more afraid" and "most afraid" are commonly used to indicate a higher degree of fear.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

"Afraid" follows the regular pattern of using "more" and "most" for forming comparatives and superlatives.

Expressions with similar meanings to “more afraid”

more scared

Used to describe a higher level of fear or anxiety.

Example

She is more scared of the dark than her brother.

more fearful

Used to indicate a greater sense of fear or apprehension.

Example

The child is more fearful of thunderstorms than his friends.

Expressions with similar meanings to “most afraid”

most scared

Used to describe the highest level of fear or anxiety.

Example

I was the most scared I've ever been during the roller coaster ride.

most fearful

Used to indicate the greatest sense of fear or apprehension.

Example

The climber was the most fearful when facing the steep cliff.

Using than with comparative “more afraid”

When using the comparative form "more afraid" to compare two things, you would use "than" to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "I am more afraid of spiders than snakes." Here, "than" is used to show that the level of fear in "spiders" is higher than the level of fear in "snakes."

How can I use this expression in context?

“more afraid” and “most afraid” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Phobias

  She is more afraid of flying than driving.

  She is more afraid of flying than driving.

• 2. Situations

  He was the most afraid he had ever been during the storm.

  He was the most afraid he had ever been during the storm.

• 3. Animals

  The dog is more afraid of thunder than fireworks.

  The dog is more afraid of thunder than fireworks.

• 4. Height

  She is the most afraid of standing on tall buildings.

  She is the most afraid of standing on tall buildings.

Related idioms and phrases

Scaredy-cat

A person who is easily frightened or afraid.

Example

Don't be such a scaredy-cat, it's just a small spider.

Jump out of one's skin

To be extremely startled or frightened.

Example

The loud noise made me jump out of my skin.